Box-covering machine.



BESTAVAlLABLE COP ND. 778.805. PATENTED DEC. 27, 1904.

P. a SMITH. BOX COVERING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR.14, 1903.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

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| l T'T'T -QQL 3 f 5% I I l BEST AVAILABLE COP 'No. 778,805. PATENTED DEC. 27, 1904.

P. S. SMITH.

BOX COVERING MAOHINB.

APPLICATION FILED APR.14, 1903.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

3 QQMNSQ. c

BEST AVAILABLE COP .PATENTED DEC. 27, 1904.

P. S. SMITH.

BOX COVERING MACHINE.

APPLLOATION FILED APR.14, 1903.

4'-SEEBTS'SHIIBT 3.

I .hul 11% A jag/2%): I

a; JLS7 I BEST AVAILABLE COP No. 778.805. PATENTED DEC. 27, 1904.

P. s. SMITH.

BOX COVERING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APB..14, 1903.

4 SHEBTS-SHEBT 4.

UNTTED STATES BEST AVAlLABLE COP Patented December 27, 1904.

PATE T @FFICE.

BOX-COVERING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N0. 778,805, dated December 2'7, 1904.

Application filed April 14, 1 903. Serial No. 152,540.

January 14, 1902, and has for its objects to provide certain improvements in machines of this class in order to render the same more reliable and perfect in operation.

As the present invention relates mainly to improvements on my said prior patented machine, I have deemed it necessary to show only such improvements and their cooperative parts; but for the sakeof clearness I will describe in a general way the operation of the machine and then give a detailed description of the improvements sought to be covered and protected herein.

According to my invention paper boxes are covered with a single blank comprising a body portion having integral side and end flaps. The blank is first coated on one face with glue, and the bottom of the box is then centered on the glued side of the body portion of said blank, which causes the latter to adhere thereto, this operation in the present instance being carried out by hand. The box, with its blank attached to the bottom thereof, is then placed upon a two-part separable form-block carried by a reciprocating plunger, which latter is caused to move up and down between covering devices that act to fold flaps of the covering-blank up against the sides and ends of the box and firmly affix them thereto and then tuck the ends of the flaps over the edges of and down into the box. carried out in substantially the order named, and the finished box is finally ejected from the machine.

It is the purpose of the present invention to simplify and improve certain parts of the covering mechanism and their cooperative parts, and these improvements may be briefly These several steps or operations are described as follows: first, to provide means of the blank; secondly, to'provide an im proved form of end-turn-in wing that will not mar or rupture the covering-blank; thirdly,

to provide means for lifting the ends of non-' stayed boxes and holding said ends in an upright position ready to receive the ends of the glued flaps of the coveringblank, thus enabling the machine to 'cover boxes that have not been stayed at the corners, and this I believe to be broadly new and consider the same one of the salient features. of the present invention; fourthly, to provide a novel form of support or holder for the edge-tuck in fingers and novel means for moving said fingers to and from each other in horizontal planes, so as to neatly fold the projecting edges of the covering-blank over the edges of the box; fifthly, to provide a novel presserblock having a soft or yielding face that will not deface or impress the box; sixthly, to provide novel operating mechanism for actuating the presser-blocks, the edge-tuck-in fingers, and the tilting covering devices or' rollers.

The invention has for its further objects to provide certain other novel features, all of which will be more clearly defined in the following detailed description and then pointed out in the appendedclaims. V

In the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which the same reference character designates the same part in each of the views in which it occurs, Figure 1 is a broken vertical section of a portionof a machine embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a slide provided with its operative mechanism. Fig. 3 is a front view of the same. Fig. 4: is a top plan View. Figs. 5 and 6 are plan views of the end lifters for unstayed boxes, showing the same in two positions. Figs. 7 and 8 are perspective views of the end-turn-in wing. Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view of the edge tuck-in BEST AVAILABLE COP mechanism. Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the same. Figs. '11, 12, 13, and 14 are detail views of some of the parts of the same.

In the class of machines to which this invention applies the mechanism for directly applying the cover to the different sides or walls of the box are substantial duplicates of each other, and as this invention relates more particularly to that mechanism only one set of such mechanism is shown, and the description in referring to said set will be equally applicable to all of the sets.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, l designates a plate which is secured to the top 2 of the machine in any suitable manner, as by means of a bolt 3, which'passes down through a slot 4. This plate is substantially similar to the ones shown and described in my former patent and are preferably four in number or one for eachside of the box to be covered. Two arms 5, forminga yoke, extend forward and laterally upward from the top of the plate and support the pressing mechanism, while two hangers 6 depend from the bottom for supporting the other mechanism and are joined together at their lower end by a'projection or boss 7.

A covering device, in the present instance .a roller 8, is mounted in tilting or pivoted 3 1 bearings 9, so as to be moved into or out of the path of movement of the box by means of a spring-actuated rock-shaft 10 and link 11, substantially similar to what is shown in my former patent, although I prefer to form the bearings for the journals of the roller substantially U-shaped and have them open upward, so that the roller will be su pported therein by gravity. The bearingsare made movv and the box.

able toward and from the path of the box independently of the swinging movement imparted to them by the rock-shaft by means of stems 12, which project through bearings 13, formed in the blocks 14 at the ends of the rock-shaft 10. A spring 15 fits on each stem 12 and normally forces the bearing and the roller forward, but permit of a limited movement to the rear to secure the desired amount of pressure against the side of the form-block The bearings 9 are kept from rotating on the stems 12 by means of a fiat plate or bar 16, which is secured at its ends thereto with its forward edge almost in contact with the lower face of the roller.

In applying the covering-blank to the sides of a box it is desirable that means be provided for applying the paper substantially at a central point and gradually extending the pressure to the top and ends of the box in advance of the pressure to be applied by the roller 8, so as to apply the paper smoothly and uniformly to the box without the formation of air-bubbles or wrinkles. An effective manner of applying this preliminary pressure is by a yielding surface, as a brush 17 which may be mounted above or in advance of the roller 8,

so that as the box passes the brush the latter will act to lift and wipe or sweep afiap of the covering-blank up against a wall of the box in a smooth and even manner. The brush is preferably mounted in position by means of hinges 18, so as to be swung into and out of position for permitting the insertion of the roller into or its removal from the bearings. It may be supported in its operative position by having its ends turned down, as shown at 19, to rest on top of the bearings 9. The brush is slightly higher at the central portion and projects slightly forward, as shown, so that the preliminary pressure is applied to the side of the box near its bottom and substantially midway of its ends, and is then gradually extended to the top and ends as the box is moved downward in the process of being covered. One means for accomplishing this is by bowing the head of the brush slightly upward at its center and forming the bristles at the center longer than the others and gradually decreasing their length toward the ends. This will cause the preliminary pressure or wiping action of the brush to be applied so gradually and uniformly that the cover-blank will be applied uniformly at all points and the air will be gradually forcedout at the top and ends, thereby preventing the formation of airbubbles. a

Instead of forming the end-tuck-in wings flexible with a rigid face it' is desirable that they be provided with a yielding operative face, so as to avoid tearing or damaging the moist cover-blank in applying it to the ends of the box. One means for accomplishing this purpose is by forming the wing '20 from a metal plate, which may be rigid or yielding, and providing its outer or free end with a head 21, in which are secured bristles 22, to

form a brush for engaging with and folding in the end of the side flap of the cover. The wing is adjustably mounted in a bracket23 by means of a set-screw 24, which engages' with a stem 25 on the wing. There are two pairs of brackets, one pair for each end of the box, and theyare each adjustably mounted on two laterally reciprocating bars 26 by means of a set-screw 27, the bars being supported by means of rods 28, which work in guides or bearings 29 in the hangers 6. -One of the rods is provided with a pin 30, which is adapted to engage with a movable part of the operating mechanism (not shown) for giving the wings the desired movement at the proper time. To secure the best results, it is found desirable to form the face of the brush or other yielding surface of the turn-in wing in two vertical planes, as by cutting away a portion thereof, (as the upper bristles,) and making them a trifle shorter than the remaining bristles, as shown at 31. This cut-away portion is so arranged as to extend from the top of the box upward and act as a support or backing for the portion of the cover that operating mechanism. forming the arms of the L-shaped lever as .11 are mounted to move longitudinally )rated lugs or bearings 49 on the hang- A nose 50 is arranged to clamp the iy means of a screw 51, and the point nose, which is preferably beveled, is ad out nearly to the forward edge of ger, whereby the upper portion of the lock 32 will be prevented from resting ind wearing or damaging the finger he block is separated, as described in mer patent. 4 .ciprocatory motion is imparted to the 1 finger by a substantially L-shaped haft 52, which is connected thereto by 53,and avertically-reciprocating rod or er 54, which is connected with the rockbya link 55. The rock-shaft is preferin the form of a sleeve or cylinder and is nted upon a suitable bearing 56, and the )ger 5a is mounted in the boss or projec- 7 and provided at its lower end with as, as an eye 57, for the reception of a iber 58, which receives motion from the (Not shown.) By

wings 59 and arranging them in pairs the links can be mounted between them, whereby a very substantial constructioh is secured and the finger is moved back and forth in a positive manner. If desired, one of the pivots between the shaft and the plunger can be extended, as shown at 60, with which the lower endat the link 11 can engage, whereby the side covering-roller 8 and the brush 17 will be thrown back out of the path of the ascending box when the plunger 54 descends to withdraw the tuck-in fingers 4:6, and the formblock, with the completed box, is started on its upward movement by the appropriate machinery, which, however, is not shown.

By forming the lower end of the link 11 as ahook 61, as shown in Fig. 9, the movement of the pivot extension will only actuate the link, and thereby the roller and brush, when the extension is at or near the lower limit of its movement. It will also permit of the ready disengagement of the link from the extension.

During the operation of folding in the upper edges of the cover-blank, as above described, and while withdrawing the edge-tuckin fingers it is desirable that pressure be applied to the sides of the box, which is done by means of the pressure-blocks 62. Each of these blocks is held in its seat 63 in the head 64 by means of the set-screw 65, and its face is preferably made yielding or elastic, as by means of a facing 66 of rubber or other suitable elastic material. This will prevent any possible injury being done to the cover,and by making the block substantially L-shaped in cross-section a broad bearing-surface is se- (fledwhich can be extended up nearly to hi en 'jp er. The presser-blocks are arra g Horizontal plane paral- 1+1w the mane of the tuck-in fingers which is very conveniently done by providing each head with one or more rods 67, which are ar ranged to slide in perforated bosses 68 upon the hangers 6. Motion is imparted to the blocks in one direction by means of cams 69 and 70 on the rock-shaft 52 and in the opposite direction by springs 71, mounted upon the rear end of the rods 67. There are two sets of cams on the rock-shaft, which are so arranged relatively to each other that as the rock-shaft is being rocked to move the tuckin finger forward the first set of cams 69 will engagewith a projection 72 on the rear of the head 64 and move the pressure-block into engagement with the side of the box just prior to the engagement of the finger with the projecting portion of the cover. The pressure is then relaxeda trifle and again applied just as the finger passes over the edge of the box and until the finger is moved inward as far as it will go. On the return or outward movement of the finger the pressure is continued until just as the finger is being disengaged from the top of the box, when it is relaxed and the finger and pressure-block move outward a short distance in unison or simultaneously with each other. Immediately upon the disengagement of the finger from the edge of i clamped between the form-block and the pressure-block and the operation of applying the cover to the box is completed. The further descent of the plunger 54: will carry the cams 70 past the projection 72, which will release the pressure and permit the springs 71 to withdraw the pressure-blocks from engagement with the sides of the box, and thereby permit of the completed box being carried upward with the form-block, from which it may be removed in the manner described in my former patent.

In addition to providing the face of the pressure-block with a yielding surface it is also desirable to yieldingly support the block in its mountings and to make the yielding support adjustable. This can be done by forming the rods 67 hollow and inserting a longitudinally-movable rod 73 in each one thereof, the rear end of said rods 67 being preferably extended to the rear of the hangers 6, so as to be easily accessible to the attendant in adjusting the pressure on the block. The forward end of each of the rods 73 preferably engages with a plate 74: at the back of the pressure-block 62, and the rear end is provided with a head 75 for rotating it. The intermediate portion of the rod is screw.- threaded, as shown at 76, which engages with a nut 77 for moving the rod longitudinally. A spring 78 fits between the rear end of the nut and the head of abarrel 79, which loosely extends above the top of the box and supports it without forcing it over the edge of the box, while the longer bristles are applying a greater pressure to the remaining portion of the cover below the edge and applying it fast to the ends of the box.-

As above described, the mechanism for applying the cover to the sides and ends of the box is more particularly applicable to what is known as stayed workthat is, boxes to which a reinforcing-piece has been applied and which must necessarily be done before the box is covered. The process of applying this reinforcing-piece to each corner of the box requires a separate handling of the box besides the additional cost of the material used in making the reinforce-generally of cloth or other suitable tough material. By covering the box with a piece of material which has a portion extending around from the side onto the end and another portion fastened over this folded portion it is found that the reinforce may be dispensed with withoutdetriment to the strength and stability of the box, thereby affecting a saving of material and labor. In accomplishing this object the blank for the box is centered upon the coverblank in the same manner as described in my former patent for centering the box, and then 1 as theplunger carries the two blanks downward the sides are first folded upward and covered by means of the rollers 8 and then the ends; but before the turn-in wings and end rollers are operated a lifter, as a horn 33, is caused to engage with each end of the unstayed box: blank and move them up into engagement with the form-block, which will cause their ends to engage with the ends of the sides of the 1 01:. While being held in this position by the horns the tuck-in wings are operated, which will cause the end portions of the coverblank to be folded around and over the joint formed between the ends of the box thus held in engagement with each other, after which the horn is retracted and the ends of the coverblank are applied in the same manner as would be done with a stayed box, as above described.

The horn is pivotally mounted on the bracket 23 by means of a pintle 34 and has its free end curved outward, so as to engage with the end of the blank in advance of the turn-in wing, as shown in Fig. 5. The 'heel 35 of the horn is adapted to engage with a stop, as a bar 36,

when the turn-in wings are retracted by the engage with the end 38 of the blarnormally stands at an incline. abov 39 of the cover and forces it into a position with its ends in engagement ends of the sides 4:0 of the box be. turn-in wings-reach the projecting pc of the side 42 of the cover-blank, as in Fig. 5. The continued inward mc of the brackets and turn-in wings wi the free end of each horn to slide in ment with the end of the box and in position until the ends have been by the engagement therewith of'thlapping portion of the sides of the On the outward movement of the brac heel of the horn will be caused to engag its stop 36, which will cause its free 1 swing out away from the path of mow of the box, in which position itwill be until another box is brought into positi' be acted upon. The further descent o plunger with the box will cause the en,- the cover to be folded up over the int;

portions 41 of the sides of -'the cover in the 9 ed for non-stayed or stayed work by simply securing the proper structure upon thebar 26.

As the turn-in wings are located directly I below and are caused to reciprocate back and forth beneath the rollers 8 and asthese-wings are vertically adjustable, it will be apparent that if they are adjusted too high their upper edges will engage with the rollers. It has been found thatif the Wings in their back-and-forth movement do engage with the rollers they will very soon cut and injure them, (the rubber roll-1 ers,) and to avoid this and to protect the roliers against rupture I have mounted aguard-plate 16 below each of the two side rollers, said plate being secured at its ends to the under side of the bearings 9. In this manner any injury to the rollers by an improper or care-- less adjustment of the wings is avoided; The

guards could be formed otherwise than as a. f

plate, and they couldbe otherwise secured than to the bearings of the roller; but I have found this manner of forming and mounting the guards effectual.

After the cover-blank has been applied to the outer surface of the sides and ends ofthe box the box is carried down into position to have the projecting edge portions of the blank turned in over the top edge of the box,whieh is done by the edge-tuck-in fingers 46. To secure the most satisfactory results, the fingers are each moved in a horizontal plane or in a plane substantially atright angle-stffihe vertical plane of the sides of i11 lhis may be accomplished finding t t-id I surrounds the nut and spring. The forward end of the nut 77 .is shouldered, as by means of a tongue 80, to engage with the rear end of the rod 67, which is slotted, as at 81, to prevent its rotation, and the forward end of the barrel is interiorly screw-threaded and engages with the rear end of the rod 67. The forward end of the barrel also forms a shoulder against which the spring 71 engages for normally forcing the rod and the pressureblock to the rear, the other end of said spring engaging with one of the bosses 68 through which the rod 67 projects. By rigidly con necting the forward ends of the rods 67 with the head 64 it is evident that the plate 74: may be yieldingly supported, so as to permit of the desired amount of rearward movement of the pressure-block, the under face of the block being provided with a slightly-elongated recess 82 for the reception of the setscrew 65.

I have herein shown and described asingle embodiment of each of the several improvements forming the subject of this invention; but I do not wish to be understood as'limiting myself to the specific means shown, as various other means may be'employed without departing from the spirit of the invention. Likewise I have described my improvements as being applied to aty pe of machine wherein .a reciprocating plunger is caused to move back and forth between a set of covering devices; but it will be obvious that these iming material against provements could be applied to other types of machines, such, for instance, as where the and the coveringdeto move to and from the box-support.

What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a box-covering machine, means for supporting and carrying a box to be covered, means for moving said supporting means and the box in a right line, wiping devices each having a flexible portion projecting in the path of movement of the side and end walls of the box and operating to sweep the coversaid walls to preliminarily apply the same thereto, and mechanism for completing the covering operation.

2. In a box-coveringmachine, a verticallyreciprocatory form for supporting and carrying a box to be covered, wiping devices each having a flexible portion projecting in the path of movement of the side and end walls of the box and operating to sweep over the covering material and lay it smoothly against said walls, mechanism for permanently aflixing the covering material to the box after the said wiping devices have acted, and means for actuating the reciprocatory form to carry the box through the wiping devices and said mechanism.

3. In a box-covering machine,a box-support for holding a box to be covered, means for folding the covering material against the wall folding means, said latter-named means being constructed to engage the covering material during such relative movement, first at a point intermediate the opposite ends of the box-wall and press the same thereagainst and then gradually acting laterally and upward from said point.

4:. In a box-covering machine, means for folding the covering material against the wall of a box, said means having inclined surfaces extending substantially from the center thereof.

5. In a box-covering machine, upwardlybowed means for folding the covering material up against the wall of a box, the surface of said means being inclined to the rear from the center toward each end. 1

6. In a box-covering machine, means for folding the covering material against the wall of abox, said means comprising a head provided with a yielding extension for engaging the covering material, said extension projecting farther upward and forward at the center than at either end. I

7 In a box-covering machine,"means forwall of a box, said means comprising a head, and bristles secured therein in the arc of a circle, the bristles at thejcenter being longer than those at either end,

8. In a box-covering machine, the combination with means for supporting and carrying a' box to be covered,of covering mechanism operating to permanently apply the covering material to the side and end walls of the box, means for carrying the support with the box thereon through said covering mechanism, and devices located in the path of movement of said box-support serving to engage the covering material and wipe it against the side and end mechanism.

9. In a box-covering machine, means for pressing covering material against the exterior of the box, and abrush mounted in advance of said means for preliminarily'applying said material to the box-wall prior to the action of said means, the central portion of said brush being longer thanthe ends and standing in substantially the same vertical plane above the face of the pressing means,

10. In a box-covering machine, a roller for applying the covering material to the box, and removable mechanism above said roller for terial.

11. In a box-covering machme, mechanism bearings, a roller removably mounted in said bearings, and means hinged to said mechanism above said roller for applying a preliminary pressure to the covering material.

folding the coveringmaterial up against the walls of .the box prior to the action of said 'I.[(

provided with upwardly -opening U shaped of the box, and means for causinga relative f movementbetween the box-support and the applying a preliminary pressure to said ma- 12. In a box-covering machine, mechanism provided with U-shaped bearings, a roller removably mounted in said bearings, a brushhead hinged to said mechanism with its ends arranged to rest on said bearings when in an operative position, bristles in said head, the central ones of which are longer than the end ones and extend out substantially even with the operative face of said roller.

13. In a box-covering machine, movable mechanism provided with means for applying a preliminary and a main pressure to the covering material, and means for moving said mechanism into and out of an operative position.

14:. In a box-covering machine, a plate, a rock-shaft mounted therein and having a bearing at each end, a roller and a brush supported by said bearings, and means for rocking the shaft to throw the brush into and out of an operative position.

15. In a box-covering machine, cove ring mechanism and end-turn-in wings adjacent thereto, and a guard between the covering mechanism and said wings.

16. In a box-covering machine a coveringroller and end-turn-in wings adjacent thereto, and a plate between the roller and said wings.

17. In a box-covering machine, mechanism provided with bearings and end-turn-in wings, a roller in said bearings, and a plate between the roller and said wings, the ends of said plate being secured to the bearings of the roller.

18. In a box-covering machine, a roller mounted to be swung into and out of operativeposition, end turn-in wings adjustably mounted below said roller, and a guard between the roller and said wings.

5 19. Inaboxcovering machine, aturn-in device comprising a wing having a plurality of operating-faces ofi'set one from another.

20. In a box-covering machine, a turn-in device comprising a wing having a plurality of operating-faces of yielding material, said faces occupying two parallel planes offset from each other.

21. In a box-covering machine, a turn-in device comprising a support, and a wing detachably mounted on said support, said wing having two parallel operating-faces offset one from the other. 7 4

22. In a box-covering machine, a turn-in device comprising a support, a wing detachably mounted on said support and a flexible operating element carried by the wing, the

outer end of said element occupying two parallel planes offset from each other.

23. In a box-covering machine, an endturn-in wing provided with bristles, the upper bristles being shorter than the remaining bristles.

24:. Ina box-machine,means for supporting an unstayed box-blank and an applied covering-blank, means for folding two side walls Hvs sBESTAVAiLABLE COP of the box-blank and covering-blank in the formation of the box,'end turnin wings for turning in the said folded ends of thecovering-blank against the end walls of box-blanks, and means for engaging the said end walls and holding them in position to complete the box structure, said end-engaging means act ing in advance of the turn-in wings.

25. Ina box-machine, means for supporting an unstayed box-blank and a superposed cover.- ing-blank, means for folding two side Walls of the said box-blank and covering-blank in the formation of the box, end-turn-in wings for turning the said folded ends of the covering-blank against the end walls of the boxblank, and means carried by said wings for engaging the said end walls of the box-blank and holding them in position to complete the box structure, said end-engaging means acting in advance of the turn-in wings.

26. In a boxcovering machine provided with end-turn-in wings, a pivoted horn mounted to engage with each endof the box-blank in advance of the'operation of said wings, said horns serving to hold the ends of the h0X- blank in position to be engaged by the wings.

27. In a box-covering machine provided with end-turn-in wings, a curved horn pivotally mounted at the rear of each wing, and means for moving the free end of the born into engagement with the ends of a box in advance of the operation of said wings.

28. In a box-covering machine provided with end-turn-in wings, aspring-aetuated horn pivotally mounted at the rear of each wing, and means for engaging with the heel of the horn and moving its free end out of engagement with the end of the box.

29. In a box-covering machine provided with end-turn-in wings, of a horn pivotally mounted at the rear of each wing, a spring for normally forcing the free end-of the born into engagement with the end of a box, and a .stop for engaging with the heel of the horn and moving the free end outwardly against the tension of the spring.

30. In a box-covering machine, alaterallyreciprocating bar, end-turn-in wings mount: ed on said bar, a spring-pressed horn pivotally mounted at the rear of each wing, and a. bar for engaging with the heels of said horns and moving each of them outward against the tension of its sprin 31. In a box-covering machine, a clamping' nose, an edge-tuck-in finger removably supported by said nose, and means for moving the same in a right line.

32. In a box covering machine, a clamping nose, an edge-tuck-in finger removably supported by said nose, .and means for moving the same in a line at right angles to the plane of the side of the box.

83. In a box-covering machine, a two-part clamping-nose, an edge-tuck-in finger removably clamped between the two parts of said 778,805 BEST AVAILABL COP .7-

parts, and a guard for holding said part outof contact with said finger.

36. In a box-covering machine, a two-part separable form-block, an edge-tuck-in finger movable into a position beneath the top part of said block, and a nose extending substan-' tially to the forward edge of said finger for supporting said part and holding it out of engagement with the finger.

37. In a box-covering machine, a two-part separable form-block, an edge-tuck-in finger, a clamping-nose, the forward end of which extends substantially to the forward edge of the finger and is beveled upon its upper sur face.

. 38. In a box-covering machine, a verticallyreciprocatory box-support, a tuck-in finger. movable at right angles thereto, and means for moving the said finger to and from the path of movement of said support, comprising a vertically-movable member, and link mechanism for connecting the finger with said member. 39. In a box-covering machine, averticallyreciprocatory box-support, a tuck-in finger I movable in a horizontal plane at right angles thereto, and means for moving said finger to and from the path of movement of said support, comprising a vertically-movable member, and a bell-crank and links connecting the finger with said member.

A 40. In a box-covering machine, a verticallyreciprocatory box-support, a horiZontallymovabletuck-in finger, and means for moving said finger to and from the path of movement of said support, comprising a vertically-reciprocatory member, movable at right angles to the finger, a bell-crank lever mounted be tween the finger and said member, and links connecting the bell-crank lever with the finger and member, respectively.

41. In a box-covering machine, a horizontally-movable tuck-in finger, a reciprocatory member movable at right angles thereto, a bell-crank lever, the arms of which are formed as wings, and links pivotally mounted between said wings and connected with the finger and said member, respectively.

42. In a box-covering machine, a horizontally-movable tuck-in finger,,a vertically-reciprocatory member movable at right angles thereto, a pintle between the finger and said member, a hollow bell-crank lever mounted on said pintle and having its arms formed as wings, and links forconnecting said wings with the tuck-in finger and said member, respectively. l

48. In a box-covering machine, a plate provided with hangers, the lower ends of which are joined to a perforated boss, a reciprocating plunger mounted in said boss, a tuck-in finger mounted on the hangers to move in a horizontal plane, and .means for connecting said finger to said plunger.

44. In a box-covering machine, a plate provided withhangers, the lower ends of which are joined to a perforated boss, a reciprocatory plunger movable in said boss, the lower end of which is provided with an eye, and a horizontallyvmovable tuck-in finger connected with the upper end of said plunger.

45. In a box-covering machine, a tuck-in finger and pressure mechanism adjacent there-' to, and means for movingthe finger and mechanism in parallel planes. 46. In a box-covering machine, a tuck-in finger and pressure mechanism movable in parallel planes; and means for moving the finger at a uniform rate of speed and the pressure mechanism at a variable speed.

47 In' a box-covering machine, a tuck-in finger and pressure mechanism, and means for moving the finger at a uniform rate of speed and the pressure mechanism at a variable speed, a portion of the movement of the pressure mechanism being synchronous with the movement of the finger. V

48. In a box-covering machine, a tuck-in finger and pressure mechanism movable in parallel planes, and means for operating the pressure mechanism twice during each movement of the tuck-in finger.

49. In a box-covering machine, finger mounted to move in a horizontal plane, and pressure mechanism, and a bell-crank lever, one portion of said lever being provided with means for operating the finger and another portion provided with means for operating'the pressure mechanism.

50. In a box-covering machine, a tuck-in' finger and pressure mechanism, a bell-crank le-' ver provided with cams for actuating the pressure mechanism and a link for connecting one 7 of the arms of the lever with said finger. I

51. In a box-covering machine, a tuck-in anism'for moving the pressure mechanism out of operative position, and a bell-crank lever connected with the finger and provided with two cams for successively engaging with the pressure mechanism and forcing it intoan operative position.

52. A box-covering machine embodying pressure mechanism for applying pressure-to opposite sides of a box-wall said pressure finger and pressure mechanism, yielding mech mechanism comprising recessed. heads, a block l-mounted in each head, and adjustable spring a tuck-in I actuated rods acting against said blocks and constituting yielding supports therefor.

53. In a box-covering machine, a recessed head, a pressureblock removably mounted therein, a thumb-screw passing through a wall of said head and intersecting the recessed portion thereof to engage the pressure-block, and adjustable spring-actuated rods acting against said block.

54:. In a box-covering machine, a head, a pressure-block removably mounted therein, springs for normally forcing said block forward, and means for adjusting the tension of said springs.

55. In a box-covering machine, a recessed head, a pressure-block movably secured in said recess, a plate between the block and the bottom of said recess, and adjustable spring-actuated rods for engaging with said plate.

56. In a box-covering machine, longitudinally-movable rods, a head rigidly secured to the forward ends of said rods, a pressu re-block movably mounted in said head, and a longitudinally-movable spring-pressed rod in each of said first-mentioned rods, and means for adjusting the same therein.

57. In a box-covering machine, a head provided with a pressure-block, longitudinallymovable hollow rods rigidly connected therewith, a barrel connected with the rear end of each of said rods, a spring-pressed nut within the barrel and a screw-threaded rod through each of said hollow rods the nut and the barrel, the forward end'of which normally forces the block forward and the rear end provided with means for rotating it.

58. In a box-covering machine, a head provided with a pressure-block, hollow rods rigidly secured to said head, the rear end of each rod being screw-threaded and slotted, a barrel engaging with said screw-threaded portion, a 'spring within the barrel, a nut between the spring and the end of the rod, the forward end of which is provided with a tongue to fit in said slot, and a rod through each of said hollow rods and barrels, the forward end of which normally forces the pressure-block forward and the rear end provided with means for rotating it and the intermediate portion provided with screw-threads for engaging with said nut.

59. In a box-covering machinea plate provided with hangers, hearings on said hangers, longitudinally-movable rods in said bearings, the rear end of each of which is'providd with a shoulder, a springbetween each shoulder and vthe bearing adjacent thereto, and pressure meichanism secured to the forward ends of said ro s.

60. In abox-covering machine, a plate provided with hangers, perforated bosses on said hangers,longitudinally-movable rods,through said bosses, the rear end of each of which is provided with a barrel, a coiled spring on each rod between the barrel and the adjacent boss;

778,805 BEST AVAILABLE GOP and pressure mechanism secured to the for ward ends of said rods.

61. In a box-covering machine, a plate, a pressure-roller pivotally mounted in the upper portion of said plate and a vertically-reciprocating member mounted in the lower portion and a link for connecting the roller and the member.

62. In a box-covering machine, a plate, a pressure-roller pivotally mounted in the upper portion thereof and a tuck-in finger and pressure mechanism in the lower portion, a reciprocating member connected with the pressureblock by means of link mechanism, one of the pivots of which is extended, and a link connected with said extension at one end and with the' roller-supporting mechanism at the other.

63. In a box-covering machine, a two-part separable form-block for supporting a box to be covered, side and end-tuck-in fingers arranged at right angles to each other, and means for simultaneously moving said fingers forward in horizontal planes between the two parts of the form-block to fold the edges of the covering material over the upper edges of the box.

64. In a box-covering machine, a two-part separable form-block for supporting a box to be covered, heads arranged at right angles to each other and mounted to move in horizontal planes to and from the form-block, guide-rods for guiding each head, an edge-tuck-in finger removably mounted on each head, and means for simultaneously advancing and retracting the heads and fingers in horizontal planes to tuck the covering material over the upper edges of the box.

65. In a box-covering machine, a-two-part separable fOI'IllrbIOGk for supporting a box to be covered, edge-tuck-in mechanism comprising two'parallel side-tuck-in fingers and two parallel end-tuck-in fingers arranged at right angles to the side tuck-in fingers, means for simultaneously projecting all said fingers in horizontal planes between the two parts of'thc form-block to tuck the covering material over the upper edges of the box,'and means for simultaneously retracting the said fingers.

66. In a box-covering machine, a tuck-in finger and presser mechanism adjacent thereto, means for advancing and retracting said ICC finger and presser mechanism, and means for imparting a less pressure during the advance of said finger and a greater pressure during the back sweep thereof.

67 In a box-covering machine, a tuck-in finger and presser mechanism adjacent thereto, means for advancing and retracting said finger and presser mechanism in parallel planes, and means for imparting a lesspressure during the insweep of the finger and a greater pressure during the back sweep thereof.

68. In a box-covering machine, means for supporting a box to be covered, mechanism for folding and applying the covering mate- BEST AVAILABLE cor rial to the side and end walls of the box to affix the same thereto, means for causing a relative movement between the box-supporting means and the covering mechanism, and means operating in advance of said covering mechanism for initially engaging the covering material and wiping it up against the boxwalls to smoothly lay the same thereagainst before the said mechanism is brought into operation.

69. In a box-covering machine, in combination with means for applying the covering material to the wall of a box, of means operating in advance of said applying means for smoothly laying the covering material against said box-wall, said second named means being constructed to first engage upon the covering material at a point intermediate the sides of the box-wall and then gradually acting to apply the same laterally and upward from this point.

70. In a box-covering machine, the combi- 71. In a box-covering machine, the combi-' nation with two pairs of covering-rollers for applying the covering material to the walls of a box, of wiping devices located in advance of and operating prior to the operation of the covering-rollers for Wiping the covering material up against the box-walls, whereby to inv sure a smooth application thereof.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

a PHILIP S. SMITH.

- Witnesses:

GEo. Z. SUTION, WALTER F. HENRY. 

